New George Eastman House director Bruce Barnes is described as having 'the background of a businessman and the passion of an artist.'

Written by

Bruce Barnes first explored George Eastman House to admire its stylish metalwork. Last month, he decided to settle down with its photos - as the museum's new director.

"I'm very excited," says Barnes, 50, an art scholar and former investment firm executive. "This is a tremendous institution: The range of its activities is exhilarating."

He already has ambitious plans to create major touring exhibits, expand the museum's pool of online digital images and collaborate with other museums. But first he needs to pull up stakes from New York City. ...